Description
Rich holiday aromas dance through Festive Christmas Salmon, promising a delightful centerpiece for seasonal gatherings. Delicate Norwegian salmon mingles with classic herbs and spices, creating a memorable meal you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 side of salmon (about 2 to 2.5 pounds / 0.9 to 1.1 kilograms), skin on
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup almonds, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice, for drizzling
Instructions
- Craft the aromatic honey butter glaze by gently melting butter with honey and minced garlic in a small saucepan, ensuring a smooth, fragrant blend. Remove from heat and let it rest.
- Preheat the oven to 375F and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with a light grease. Carefully position the salmon skin-side down, creating an elegant presentation.
- Season the salmon with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, then lavishly coat with the prepared honey butter glaze, ensuring even coverage.
- Carefully envelop the salmon in the foil, creating a sealed packet that will help lock in moisture and flavor. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Gently unfold the foil to expose the salmon’s surface. Crank up the oven temperature to 425F to encourage caramelization and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the fish reaches perfect doneness.
- While the salmon roasts, whip together the creamy dill sauce by combining sour cream, bright lemon zest, fragrant chopped dill, and a pinch of seasoning. Chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.
- Create a festive holiday topping by mixing chopped cranberries, crunchy almonds, and fresh parsley in a small bowl.
- Once the salmon emerges golden and succulent, transfer to a serving platter. Generously spread the creamy dill sauce across the top, then sprinkle the holiday topping for a burst of color and texture.
- Elevate the presentation with a scattering of jewel-like pomegranate seeds and a zesty drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately, allowing guests to admire the festive masterpiece.
Notes
- Choose wild-caught salmon for richer flavor and more omega-3 fatty acids, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable dish.
- Adjust baking time based on salmon thickness; thinner fillets might cook faster, preventing dry or overcooked fish.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version, maintaining the sweet caramelized glaze without compromising taste.
- Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help the glaze adhere better and create a more crispy, golden-brown exterior during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg